Arena football team looks to make community impact

(pictured above: Players are preparing for an exciting season of football action.)

A new Winston-Salem arena football team is looking for players who are passionate about the sport and willing to work hard.

The Carolina Silverhawks will hold the first of two team tryouts on Aug. 30 at the High Point Athletic Complex, 2920 School Park Rd. The squad will play their indoor games and practice at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum Annex.

Owner Barry Marrow said that he started the team to give players whose NFL dreams have yet to come true a chance to shine.

Marrow

“I wanted to help some of these guys perfect their craft so at some point they can go to the next level,” said the Raleigh native.“I want to have as much influence on these guys’ lives and have some sort of footprint on them getting to that next level.”

Marrow played the game himself at Merced (Calif.) College and overseas in the German Football League. He believes his experience will allow him as a manager and owner to always see both the players’ and the business perspectives.

He is adamant about the team putting in as much work off the field as on it.

“We are going to adopt the Boys & Girls Club of Reynolds (Park) Road, and we are working to start a nonprofit to work with kids that have obesity issues,” he said. “I am excited to show the community how positive this is and what they can get out of it.”

The Carolina Silverhawks, which has landed Burger King as its official sponsor, will compete in the American Indoor Football league, which includes seven other teams – the Atlanta Sharks, Cleveland Saints, Baltimore Mariners, Washington Eagles, York Capitals, Rochester Raiders and Buffalo.

Former Marine Josh Resignalo has signed on to coach the Silverhawks. “Coach Res” has a litany of semi-pro coaching experience. He is currently the Offensive Coordinator at Greensboro’s Grimsley High School. He said he is excited about the opportunity to lend his coaching expertise to another Triad team.

“Having the opportunity to bring indoor arena football back to the Triad area is pretty awesome, and I am glad to be a part of it,” said Resignalo, a former QB for the Raleigh Rebels and the Carolina Speed. “In this area, there is a lot of local talented guys who did not have the opportunity that some of the DI colleges have. This gives them a chance to show why they need that opportunity and why they should go to the next level. That’s why I enjoy coaching at this level.”

Defensive Cornerback Kayo Bryce already has a place on the squad. He says he has a lot of game left in him and is looking forward to proving it.

“This gives athletes a great platform to showcase their abilities, play the game that they love and get paid doing it,” Bryce said. “I want to stay young, keep chasing that football and take things to a higher level one day. Right now, I’m just glad to play the game that I love.”

Resignalo said those coming to try out should expect to work hard and give it their all.

“They should expect a different atmosphere than what they’re used to. They will know that this is professional football and there is a high-standard that they will have to measure up to,” Resignalo said. “It will be very high-intensity, and the guys will get a good work out.”

The Silverhawks are also starting a Junior League for kids 9 to 13.

“The kids will be playing under the exact same rules that we do,” Resignalo said.

Marrow said that he does not want the community to think twice before calling upon the Silverhawks.

“Any help that you would need, do not hesitate to call, whether it’s to visit the schools or churches. Our biggest thing is our youth. It is not just about football for us,” Marrow said. “It is about the future for our children.”